Qld U20s 2015

[minorthreat]

Saw some discussion in the NSW thread about a possible Qld side, so I thought I'd start a thread. Unlike previous years, this years U20s Origin will be played in Brisbane before Origin 3.

So three rounds in, who are the contenders for the team?

Players still eligible from last years game: Val Holmes, Brenko Lee, Luke Bateman, Joe Ofahengaue, Jayden Nikorima. You'd think they'd all play, providing their clubs let them.

Jai Arrow, Jordan Drew, Marion Seve, Coen Hess, Ashley Taylor, Lindsay Collins were all in the 2015 Emerging squad, so you'd think they are a chance. Hess is a definite. Elijah Alick would probably be there, but he's out for the season I think?

1. Holmes
2. Seve
3. Lee
4. Drew
5. Paul Byrnes/Josh Birch/Joe Burchell/Gideon Mosby-Gela an outside chance
6. Nikorima (? Been playing centre this year. Whats his best position?)
7. Taylor/Cooper Bambling
8. James Iodice (very impressive against Penrith last weekend)
9. Jayden Berrell/Dylan McGrath/Deacon Fletcher?
10. Ofahengaue
11. Hess
12. Arrow
13. Bateman

Not to sure on a bench. Seems like Keegan Hipgrave has started the season well. Harry Pondekas might be there, same for Charlie Galo from Melbourne. Lindsay Collins and George Fai also a chance. JJ Felise from the Tigers? How's Jaydn Su'a started the year? I've heard good things about him.

We'd have a much clearer idea who the selectors have in mind if they announced a full U20s Emerging squad like they have the last few years.

 

[Big Pete]

1. Valentine Holmes
2. Gideon Mosby
3. Brenko Lee
4. Jordan Drew
5. Marion Seve
6. Jayden Nikorima
7. Ashley Taylor
8. Luke Bateman
9. Jayden Berrell
10. Joe Ofahengaue
11. Coen Hess
12. Harry Pondekas
13. Jai Arrow

14. Cooper Bambling
15. George Fai
16. Keegan Hipgrave
17. Jaydn S'ua

Hate to be the fan who just lists players from his side in a rep team but I can't think of better alternatives.

 

[Son of Minto]

That team looks good to me, Pete. Maybe a true hooker on the bench instead of Bambling, but thats about it.

 

[Big Pete]

Agree, I selected him purely as a placeholder and because I expect the selectors to find a spot for him even if it's a bit unorthodox, just like Munster last year.

Sadly, I can't think of many quality 9s coming through for Queensland. I even had a tough time listing Berrell who's OK but nothing special. The only option I can think of is swapping Bambling and Nikorima around or bringing in a Lachlan Lewis type. That could work but it just depends on whether Bambling or Taylor can play that five eighth role well enough.

 

[Son of Minto]

Brandon Smith from the Cowboys played for Qld U16s a few years back, but I'm certain hes not eligible any more under the new rules. Would have been dynamic starting or off the bench.

 

[Son of Minto]

Queensland Maroons Under 20 squad
1. Paul Byrnes (Brisbane Broncos)
2. Gideon Mosby-Gela (North Queensland Cowboys)
3. Jordan Drew (Brisbane Broncos)
4. Marion Seve (Wests Tigers)
5. Conor Carey (North Queensland Cowboys)
6. Jayden Nikorima (Brisbane Broncos)
7. Ashley Taylor (Brisbane Broncos)
8. George Fai (Brisbane Broncos)
9. Jayden Berrell (Brisbane Broncos)
10. Lindsay Collins (Brisbane Broncos)
11. Coen Hess (North Queensland Cowboys)
12. Alex Barr (Brisbane Broncos)
13. Jai Arrow (Brisbane Broncos)

14. Karl Lawton (Gold Coast Titans)
15. Luke Bateman (Canberra Raiders)
16. Sam Lavea (Brisbane Broncos)
17. Oshae Tuiasau (Gold Coast Titans)
18. Andrew Niemoeller (North Queensland Cowboys)

Coach: Kurt Wrigley

http://www.qrl.com.au/news/2015/06/30/queensland_maroons_u.html

 

[canberra_raiders2k2]

NSW vs the Broncos (and some other players)

 

[isaiah]

They are having an outstanding year in the NYC. Cowboys are good but owe a lot to Kikau and uele.

 

[BslatsV]

Berrell looks to have been picked for every junior rep team ever named, is he really that good?